STEP 1: APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID
Refer to our Get Started section for directions and explanations – be aware that financial aid can only pay for credits a student needs to graduate, if you plan your study abroad experience for when you are already eligible to graduate, then you will not be eligible for financial aid through the Financial Aid Office. You will still be eligible to apply for most study abroad scholarships.
STEP 2: MEET WITH THE DIRECTOR OF STUDY ABROAD
Make an appointment to meet with Adina Frantescu at adf50@pitt.edu, Coordinator of International Experiences, to learn which Pitt-approved study abroad programs are right for you and for guidance with the application process and scholarships.
STEP 3: MEET WITH FINANCIAL AID
Make an appointment to meet with a financial aid counselor to go over available aid options.
In most cases, if you are studying abroad in a Pitt approved program, you will be able to use your financial aid toward the program.
There are some exceptions so it is important to talk to a financial aid counselor as soon as you start planning your time abroad.
Please note summer is a trailer for financial aid purposes and many students use their financial aid during the academic year, so students may be relying on limited institutional funds, Federal Direct Parent PLUS, alternative education loans and/or outside scholarships. Please note that summer study abroad scholarships are available to those who qualify and apply before their deadlines.
Financial aid does not provide up-front funding for passports, visas, plane tickets, deposits, etc. Students must pay for and then reimburse themselves with any aid they are eligible to receive.
STEP 4: CONSORTIUM AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS
A consortium agreement is required to process federal, state, and university aid.
Page 1 is submitted to Christina Marrone in Enrollment Services and Page 2 is submitted to the study abroad provider (ISA, Pitt Study Abroad, SIT, etc.). Both pages must be returned to the Office of Financial Aid at Pitt-Bradford to be processed.
STEP 5: ADJUSTMENTS to FINANCIAL AID
The Office of Financial Aid will adjust your cost of attendance based on the specific costs of your approved program provided in the consortium agreement. If your cost of attendance increases based on this adjustment, you can apply for additional aid.
Please note: not all adjustments will increase the cost of attendance. In some cases, the adjustment may decrease your cost of attendance and perhaps your aid.
You must inform the Office of Financial Aid of all outside aid you are getting for study abroad (Provost and Study Abroad Office Scholarships from PITT, Vira Heinz, Benjamin Gilman, Boren, provider scholarships, etc.).
STEP 6: CONFIRM YOUR REGISTRATION & AID
You must submit the Course Approval and Registration form to Adina Frantescu in order for study abroad registration to occur (even if you are participating in a Panther Program).
For Panther Programs, you will be registered by the Pitt-Oakland Study Abroad Office once all requirements are met.
Many providers have forms they want to be completed detailing the financial aid you will be receiving. Please bring these forms to the Financial Aid Office at least two weeks prior to their due date.
STEP 7: WHILE YOU ARE AWAY
Be sure to register for courses and housing for the term following your study abroad experience.
Be sure to apply for financial aid for the following academic year by completing the FAFSA if studying abroad during the spring semester.
Check your Pitt email frequently for important emails.
*Heilbronn University and Yokohama College of Commerce Exchange Programs differ slightly in financial aid from other exchange programs. Contractual agreements will be provided for the student once we are sure you are using financial aid for the program.